I wasn’t expecting the A’kin Revitalising Cellular Radiance Serum to be a facial oil!

Nothing surprises me so much, as to break into a bottle that says “serum” and find out that it’s an oil. Yes, my friends, the A’kin Revitalising Cellular Radiance Serum is in fact, a facial oil. Threw me for a loop at first!

The box is super colourful, but the bottle itself is fairly plain in its packaging. I had been sent this a long time ago, but never got round to using it for a good reason.

A’kin is a natural brand of skincare by Purist, and hails from Australia. I had tried one of their shampoos quite a few years ago which did not wow me. I actually hated it, which might explain my reluctance to try anything else from them, especially skincare. Also, I used to be quite against natural/organic skincare, due to some bad experiences.

Recently however, I discovered this serum in my stash while doing a spot of decluttering, and decided to use it as my day serum, after I ran out of my HG Worship serum. That was when I realised that this Cellular Radiance Serum was in fact, a facial oil, and I was a little hesitant about using it on my skin in the day.

I’m a keen user of facial oils, but I’ve thus far, kept it for use in the evening routine, because of the texture. Somehow, the idea of using oils in the day frightened me a little. I wasn’t sure if it would leave my skin looking and feeling too greasy.

But you know, I’ve come to really enjoy using this, and I seriously think that it’s done good things for my skin! Oh and no, it’s not oily at all 😀

When you come across a product purporting to be a serum, what do you think the texture will be like? I usually think of something lightweight, that absorbs fairly quickly into the skin, while giving skin a potent boost of whatever it is that it is supposed to do.

In this case, the A’kin Revitalising Cellular Radiance Serum is a combination of oils and ingredients that are supposed to fight the signs of aging and leave skin looking more radiant. It has even been compared to a retinol product, albeit a natural one. But you see, I didn’t know all this when I started using it.

The product comes in a lightweight oil texture and is dispensed by way of a pipette. I find that 3 drops usually does it for me. I then warm it up in the palms of my hands, and apply it to my skin.

For some reason, I don’t find this product oily the way most facial oils are. It absorbs fairly quickly into my skin and I usually layer my day moisturiser over. It doesn’t feel heavy nor oily nor greasy. In fact, it pretty much feels like I’m just using regular skincare, not a facial oil!

The texture is fairly runny, as you can see, but it will absorb quite quickly into the skin. There is a bit of a scent that I feel may either be something you’d be comfortable with or you won’t. To me, it smells like the slightly nutty, sourish scent associated with rosehip oil. Lighter, but unmistakably there. It’s not surprising therefore that this does contain rosehip oil as one of its key ingredients.

I put this to the test without really anticipating anything, if I’m to be honest. I’d finished my HG serum so my skin was feeling good. But after about a month or so, I actually started noticing that my skin looked a little better.

When I experienced the breakouts associated with my skincare experiment recently, I think this was one of those things that helped rebalance my skin. I felt that my skin felt finer, and redness was less pronounced, so my skintone looked more even. I actually wear a lot less base makeup these days than I used to do before. It’s hard for me to tell you that I’ve noticed any significant improvements, because most of you will be aware that I take fairly good care of my skin and for my age, I don’t have significant lines and wrinkles (for which I am extremely thankful!). But because I pay close attention to my skin, I notice these small improvements, and knowing that I’ve only made a little change in the products I use, I know that this particular product is a good one.

I do feel however, that due to the nature of what this serum is supposed to address, it is more suitable for someone who is exploring or using or feels the need to use anti-aging skincare. If your skin feels and looks dull, or perhaps a little lacklustre, this might be one to explore. Being a natural product, don’t expect immediate results. I’d suggest that you give it a month at least, before you draw your conclusions.

The instructions actually call for use in the evening (I didn’t read the instructions, as usual 😛 ) I think it’s because it contains Vitamin A and does have some natural effects of retinol that can make skin more sensitive to the sun. However, I have been using mine only in the day, but I am sure to wear a good sunscreen over it, and thus far, I think it’s been alright. If you want to be brave like me, be sure you wear a good sunscreen! 🙂

I found myself liking this, and because you don’t use very much, it can stretch quite a long way. The only thing is that I don’t find it to be as hydrating, so I also use a hydrating serum. I don’t know if this is for everyone, to be honest. You have to be comfortable with the concept of using facial oils and be patient, to see any results.

IN A NUTSHELL

The A’kin Revitalising Cellular Radiance Serum comes in an oil texture and contains various natural based products for boosting skin radiance and improving on skin texture over time. The oil is very lightweight and absorbs quite readily and easily into the skin which makes it comfortable and easy to use. I find that 3-4 drops is quite sufficient. Regular use of this oil left my skin feeling and looking finer with less redness, and more even toned skin. I however, don’t find it hydrating enough so I use a hydrating serum and a moisturiser over it. But to address skin texture, I think it does a good job.

PROS: Lightweight texture absorbs easily and quickly into the skin, Does not feel oily or greasy on skin, With regular use skin feels smoother and finer and looks more even toned

CONS: Scent may not appeal to everyone, Oil texture may not appeal to everyone, Not sufficiently hydrating

WHO WILL LIKE THIS: Anyone who is used to using facial oils, Anyone who wants an anti-aging product that is natural/organic based

For those interested, here is the ingredient list for the A’kin Revitalising Cellular Radiance Serum:-

I like applying this on slightly damp skin, which helps it sink into skin more quickly.

I have been asked how similar/different this is, compared to my HG Antipodes Worship serum, which seems to perform a similar antioxidant function. Well, if I have to pick between the two, I’d pick the Worship serum because it is much easier to get your head around (it has a nice serum texture), it smells better, it’s hydrating and it really does wonders for my skin.

This A’kin one may throw some people for a loop because of the oil texture, and the scent isn’t as pleasant. I also don’t find it as hydrating, although I feel that this seems to do a better job at keeping my skin looking more even toned. You will find that this one stretches further because you use a lot less (3 drops vs 1 pump of product) but it will come down to personal preference. If I had to choose, I’d pick the Antipodes Worship. But by way of a back up, this is pretty decent. In fact, I wouldn’t put it past me to actually use both of them together, because I think they’re different enough! 🙂

Have you tried this particular serum from A’kin or any other A’kin skincare products that are worth mentioning? Have you come across other serums that are in fact oils?

Now that I’ve braved myself to use this product from A’kin, I’m more open to trying something else. If you have tried anything else from A’kin that you think I should try, holler! I’m up to it, this time! 😀

Paris B

A’kin Revitalising Cellular Radiance Serum Price: RM119 | AU$39.99 | £26 for 23ml but look around for online offers of which I see plenty Availability: TNS Skinlabs stores and online, Zalora in Malaysia, Priceline in Australia

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About Paris B

Paris B is a 40-something beauty and skincare enthusiast with a practical and very critical view of beauty products and the world of beauty. Her mission on My Women Stuff is to deliver clear, honest reviews and facilitate discussions about beauty trends and life, tempered with a healthy dose of humour. Let the buyer's remorse be ours not yours! When not testing the newest skincare creams and lotions, or playing with makeup, find her testing her culinary skills in the kitchen at Chez PB. Read more about us here or leave a comment below or connect with us on social media at Instagram, Facebook and Twitter!

Hi Paris, I have been using the squalane oils (the regular and whitening oils) from Haba, as a replacement for moisturiser, and surprisingly I find it to absorb faster than my normal moisturisers. Also, the oil keeps my face more hydrated, and for longer periods of time. So I am now a firm believer in these facial oils! 🙂 Another of my fave oils has to be the capsules from Elizabeth Arden – very hydrating and fast absorption!

That’s good to know Tracy! I haven’t tried anything from Haba yet, but I’ve heard that some of their products are really good! I think the trick to facial oils is to find one that works for your skin, because some can be irritating too. So tricky right?

Hi Paris, I am glad you like the A’kin Revitalizing Cellular Radiance Serum. Echium oil is the richest non-fish source of omega-3 which explains the excellent anti-inflammatory effect, rosehip oil provides the anti-aging benefits of retinol, whilst the pomegranate and seabuckthorn extracts provide the antioxidants and skin rejuvenation benefits. A simple breakdown of how this serum works, hope it is helpful to all.

Oooh this is Mum’s favourite serum! She always asks me to get a bottle for her whenever I’m back in Malaysia. I’ve never used it myself but she loves it. I didn’t even realise it was an oil. I always thought it was a runny gel or similar. 🙂 Yeah like Geek said, if you need a top-up, let us know.

There are different types of serums – oil based and water based. Oil based serums contain oils and also other things (essential oils, extracts etc.) There are many serums on the market that are made of oils that are called ‘serums’ 😉 I figure a ‘facial oil’ will have a simpler ingredient list?

I love how you read the instructions after being thrown for a loop in the texture department 😀
Stop making me want more product, I’m at 2 storage bins full of them.. I’m about to eat cleanser for breakfast with the superfruit content.

I know right, Phil. I’m absolutely horrible at following instructions! Most of the time, I rip it out of the packaging and play with it without even being sure what it’s supposed to do LOL! You might like this one actually 😛 And I’m still working through the stuff you sent me! p/s Watch out for a forthcoming vlog and a shoutout 😛